Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 270: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of applications with his Department from persons wishing to provide a private bus service between Dundalk, Drogheda, Ardee and Dublin; when he will make a decision on these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16944/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Transport Act 1932 provides the legislative basis for entry to the public transport market by private bus operators. In accordance with this legislation, private bus operators apply to my Department for passenger licences to provide bus services on specific routes within the State. In accordance with long-standing practice, details of applications received in my Department remain confidential until a decision is made. However, as of 23 May 2005, there are two applications outstanding for occasional passenger licences on one of the routes listed, which will be dealt with this week.

In addition to these two outstanding applications, my Department has under consideration a request to amend an existing licence for services on one of the routes listed. This request to amend an existing licence is at an advanced stage and will conclude soon.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for Transport if a bus lane will be provided on the section of the Naas Road from Naas to the Dublin boundary; if this will be one of the routes selected on a pilot basis for a bus lane on the outer approaches to the capital; and if design changes have been factored into the current project. [16952/05]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Given that work is under way on this section to upgrade it to a three-lane carriageway with a hard shoulder, I have been advised by the Dublin Transportation Office that there are no plans to have a quality bus corridor on the section of the Naas Road from Naas to the Dublin boundary. The works on the N7 between Maudlins, County Kildare, and Rathcoole, County Dublin, involve the upgrading of the existing road to provide three lanes in each direction. It also includes the construction of four interchanges, which will result in an interchange approximately at every 4 km. This frequency, combined with significant lengths of side roads, will allow easy access to and from the mainline for buses. This strategy has been adopted for reasons of safety and has been agreed with Bus Éireann. Given the traffic flow on the upgraded route, a bus lane should not be necessary.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 272: To ask the Minister for Transport if he intends to provide funds to Dublin Bus for the purchase of new buses to augment its current fleet; if so, if the subvention to the company will be increased to allow it to operate a larger fleet. [16953/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Dublin Bus intends to purchase 70 new replacement buses, including 20 high capacity triaxle buses, in 2005. Exchequer funding of €1.2 million is being provided towards the cost of these buses. The new triaxle buses will provide 20% more passenger carrying capacity than double deck buses.

Significant investment has been made to date under the national development plan in acquiring new buses for Dublin Bus. As a consequence, the capacity of the fleet has been increased by nearly 25% and the company is now carrying approximately 150 million passengers per annum. Dublin Bus has bought approximately 400 buses since 1999, with the assistance of Exchequer and EU funds. In 1999, Dublin Bus received €16.8 million in Exchequer subvention and for 2005 the company will receive €64.9 million in subvention, an increase of 5% on 2004.